Image processing apparatus, an image processing method, and a computer readable medium having recorded thereon a processing program for permitting a computer to perform image processing routines

ABSTRACT

In order to provide an image processing apparatus and an image processing method whereby a high quality output image can be consistently obtained, regardless of the order in which an operator sets the parameters for the performance of filtering, (I) a GUI module ( 9   a ) stores, in an input value storage area ( 9   p ) of a RAM, reference signs that are employed for first to fourth processes for the filtering of reduced image data, and (II) a filtering module ( 9   f ) refers to the reference signs in the input value storage area ( 9   p ) when performing the first to the fourth processes for the filtering of input image data, and obtains output image data.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and animage processing method. More particularly, the present inventionrelates to a digital image filtering apparatus and a digital imagefiltering method. Further, the present invention relates to a recordingmedium, such as a computer readable medium, having recorded thereon aprocessing program for permitting a computer to perform image processingroutines.

The present application is based on Japanese Patent Application No:.Hei. 11-280907, which is incorporated herein by reference.

2. Description of the Related Art

Conventionally, using filters to change the image quality of digitalimage data that are output is a well known process. In this explanation,unless otherwise specified, filtering represents a concept that includesspatial filtering, tone correction and gray level correction processes.Enhancement filtering, for example, which is a kind of spatialfiltering, is a process for emphasizing the contrast between adjacentpixels to enhance detailing, such as at edges, around corners and alonglines.

Generally, when an image processing application performs multiple kindsof filtering, these processes are performed in the order correspondingto that stipulated by an operator for the parameters established toperform the filtering, until finally, the results are output to adisplay. Thus, when for such an application an operator sets in aspecific order parameters for spatial filtering and for gray levelcorrection, for example, the processing is performed in that order. Inaddition, an operator may, while confirming the quality of an imageoutput to a display, change the parameters for the performance offiltering by determining which parameters to use to obtain a desiredimage quality for the output of an image to a printer.

When the filtering of image data is performed, generally, as a result ofthe processing involved, color information and spatial information arereduced. For example, when the number of gray levels is reduced orincreased to alter the brightness of an HSB (Hue, Saturation, andBrightness) model, two pixels that before the processing had differentbrightness levels may both have the same level after the processing hasbeen completed. Also, a reduction in the total amount of colorinformation, which is accomplished by employing a number of differentprocesses for filtering, varies in consonance with the order in whichthe processes are performed. Therefore, the quality of the image datathat is output fluctuates, depending in large part on the order in whichfiltering parameters are designated by a user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To resolve this problem, it is an object of the present invention toprovide an image processing apparatus and an image processing methodwhereby the data that are output consistently ensure that a high qualityimage will be obtained, regardless of the order in which the parametersfor the filtering are set.

According to the present invention, an image processing apparatusincludes:

a storage device which stores input image data in a first area;

a refuging device which stores, in a second area of the storage device,sample image data produced from the input image data that has beenstored in the first area; and

a pseudo display device which outputs, to a display, pseudo image dataobtained by performing a number of different processes for filtering thesample image data stored in the second area. Therefore, when a processfor performing the filtering has been determined, the results obtainedby the filtering can be displayed on a screen without the input imagedata having to be processed. The sample image data, for which the inputimage data were employed as source data, can be, for example, dataduplicating the input image data, data obtained by reducing the inputdata, or thumbnail image data produced using the input data.

A parameter registration device stores, in a third area of the storagedevice, parameters that are to be referred to for each kind of processthat is performed for filtering the sample image data in the secondarea. While referring to the parameters in the third area, a filteringdevice performs, in a predetermined order, a number of differentprocesses for filtering the input image data in the first area to obtainimage data for output. Therefore, regardless of the order in which anoperator designates the parameters for the filtering, different kinds ofprocesses can be performed in the order that best provides an improvedquality image. In other words, high quality image data can beconsistently output.

The parameters used for the process for filtering the input image dataneed not be the same as those used for the process for filtering thesample image data. For example, for the processes used for filteringinput image data and simulated image data, by referring to theparameters stored in the third area, new parameters may be obtained inaccordance with the print size or the display size of an output image,and these new parameters may be used to perform the process forfiltering the input image data or the sample image data. Here, thestorage device is a conceptual representation that includes a mainstorage device and an auxiliary storage device.

According to the present invention, the filtering device sequentiallyperforms, in accordance with an order established to minimize colorinformation and spatial information reductions, a number of differentprocesses for filtering the input image data. As a result, the outputimage quality is improved.

According to the present invention, for the input image data stored inthe first area, the filtering device performs, in the named order, atone curve correction process for an RGB model, a saturation correctionprocess for an HSB model, and a spatial filtering correction process.Therefore, color information and spatial information reductions due tofiltering can be minimized.

According to the present invention, the pseudo display device performsthe number of different processes, in the same order as having beenemployed for the processes performed in the first area for the inputimage data, to filter the sample image data in the second area. As aresult, a displayed image, which was obtained by performing theprocesses for filtering the sample image data, can approximate theoutput results obtained with the image data.

According to the present invention, the refuging device generates thesample image data by reducing a size of the input image data stored inthe first area, and stores the sample image data in the second area ofthe storage device. Since the size of the sample image data is smallerthan is that of the input image data, less time is required to displaythe results obtained by the filtering, which is performed in accordancewith the parameters.

Further, according to the present invention, an image processing methodor a computer readable medium having recorded thereon a processingprogram for permitting performance of a computer, is provided. The imageprocessing method, or the processing program, includes the steps of:

storing, in a second area on a storage device, sample image dataproduced from input image data that has been stored in a first area ofthe storage device; and

outputting, to a display, pseudo image data obtained by performing avariety of processes to filter the sample image data stored in thesecond area. Therefore, since a variety of processes are performed whenthe sample image data are filtered, the obtained results can bereflected in the processing performed for the input image data. Further,parameters that are referred to for each process, when the filtering ofthe sample image data in the second area is performed, are stored in athird area of the storage device. By referring to these parameters, thevarious filtering processes can be performed in a predetermined orderfor filtering the input image data in the first area, and output imagedata can be obtained. Therefore, regardless of the order in which theparameters for filtering are designated by an operator, the order inwhich the various processes are performed is the one that can bestimprove the output image quality. In other words, high quality imagedata can be consistently output.

According to the present invention, the order in which a variety ofprocesses, for filtering the input image data in the first area, aresequentially performed to minimize the reduction in color informationand in spacial information, and thereby improves the quality of theimage that is output.

According to the present invention, corrective filtering for the inputimage data in the first area is performed in order in consonance withthe sequential arrangement of tone curve correction for an RGB model,saturation correction for an HSB model in the input image data, andspatial information correction. As a result, a reduction in colorinformation and in spatial information due to filtering can beminimized.

According to the present invention, the number of different processesare performed for filtering the sample image data in the second area inthe same order as that used for the processes performed for filteringthe input image data in the first area. Thus, a displayed image obtainedby performing the filtering for the sample image data can approximatethe results provided for the output image data.

According to the present invention, the sample image data is generatedby reducing a size of the input image data in the first area and storingthe resultant data in the second area of the storage device. Since thesize of the sample image data is smaller than that of the input imagedata, the time required to display the results obtained by the filteringperformed in accordance with the parameters can be reduced.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a specific diagram illustrating the correlation amongindividual modules of an image processing apparatus according to oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an image processing systemaccording to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the filtering processing performed by theimage processing apparatus according to the embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a specific diagram showing a screen displayed by the imageprocessing system according to the embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a specific diagram showing a screen displayed by the imageprocessing system according to the embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a specific diagram showing a screen displayed by the imageprocessing system according to the embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a specific diagram showing a screen displayed by the imageprocessing system according to the embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a specific diagram showing a screen displayed by the imageprocessing system according to the embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a specific diagram showing a screen displayed by the imageprocessing system according to the embodiment; and

FIG. 10 is a specific diagram showing a screen displayed by the imageprocessing system according to the embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A preferred embodiment of the present invention now will be describedwith reference to FIGS. 1 to 10.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an image processing system that employs, asthe nucleus of the system, an image processing apparatus 1 according tothis embodiment. The image processing system comprises the imageprocessing apparatus 1, a printer 8 and a display device 10.

A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 2 and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 3,which is a storage device, are interconnected by a memory bus via a PCImemory control chip set (not shown). The memory bus is connected to ahigh-speed bus, which in turn is connected to peripheral devices, suchas a graphics controller 4 and a hard disk 5, for which high speedprocessing is required. The high-speed bus itself is connected to alow-speed bus via a bridge circuit (not shown). And connected to thelow-speed bus is an input unit 6, such as a mouse or a keyboard, and aninterface 7.

Under the control of an operating system (hereinafter referred to as anOS), the image processing apparatus 1 executes an image processingapplication 9, which is loaded into the RAM 3, and outputs image data tothe graphics controller 4 and to the printer 8. The image processingapplication 9 will now be described while referring to FIGS. 1 and 2.

The image processing application 9 comprises a graphical user interfacemodule (hereinafter referred to as a GUI module) 9 a, a parametercalculation module 9 e, a filtering module 9 f, a printer driverinterface module (hereinafter referred to as a PDI module) 9 g, areduction module 9 c, a simulated parameter calculation module 9 b and asimulated filtering module 9 d. Further, the image processingapplication 9 acquires, in the RAM 3, an input value storage area 9 p,used to store a value entered by an operator when the application 9 isexecuted; an input image data storage area 9 q, used to store inputimage data that are retrieved from the hard disk 5; an output image datastorage area 9 s, used to store output image data; a reduced image datastorage area 9 r, used to store reduced image data that serve as sampledata; a preview image data storage area 9 t, used to store preview imagedata that serve as pseudo image data; and a thumbnail data storage area9 u, used to store thumbnail data for the input image data. Values thatare entered by an operator and are stored in the input value storagearea include: a tone curve setting reference sign, a saturation settingreference sign, a sharpness effect setting reference sign, a specialeffect setting reference sign and a texture setting reference sign, allof which are referred to by the parameter calculation module 9 e and thesimulated parameter calculation module 9 b, and a print settingreference sign, which is referred to by the parameter calculation module9 e and the PDI module 9 g.

The GUI module 9 a, which is executed by the CPU 2 and serves as aparameter registration device, is a processing program for outputting tothe display device 10 the operating screens shown in FIGS. 4 to 10, forstoring in the input value storage area 9 p a value that is entered bythe operator using the input unit 6, and for issuing to the graphicinterface of the OS a drawing command for the preview image data.

The parameter calculation module 9 e is a processing program forcalculating parameters that are used, in the processing for thefiltering of input image data, by referring to the tone curve settingreference sign, the saturation setting reference sign, the sharpnesseffect setting reference sign, the special effect setting referencesign, the texture setting reference sign and the print setting referencesign, which are stored in the input value storage area 9 p by the GUImodule 9 a, and for transmitting these parameters to the filteringmodule 9 f.

The filtering module 9 f, which is executed by the CPU 2 and serves as afiltering device, is a processing program for sequentially performing,based on the parameters received from the parameter calculation module 9e, the following filtering processes for the input image data.

(1) First process for using filtering to change the tone curve of an RGB(Red, Green and Blue) model for image data.

(2) Second process for using filtering to change the saturation of anHSB (Hue, Saturation, and Brightness) model for image data.

(3) Third process for performing spatial filtering to enhance or provideshading for the outline of an image.

(4) Fourth process for performing calculations to generate a regularlytextured image.

The individual processes will now be explained.

For the first process, the parameter obtained by using the tone curvesetting reference sign is employed for the filtering performed to changethe tone curve of image data (RGB model) and to correct the intensitylevels of the RGB colors.

For the second process for performing filtering, the resultant imagedata (RGB model) provided by using the first process are converted intoan HSB model, and the parameter obtained by using the saturation settingreference sign is employed for the filtering performed to correct thesaturation level of the image data of the HSB model.

For the third process for performing filtering, the resultant image data(HSB model) provided by using the second process are converted into anRGB model, and the parameter obtained by using the sharpness effectsetting reference sign is employed for the filtering performed toextract a correction target pixel in accordance with a threshold valuedesignated by an operator. The radial correction range for a targetpixel is determined in accordance with the width of the outlinedesignated by the operator. Then, the contrast is enhanced in accordancewith a distance for the range designated by the operator.

For the fourth process for performing filtering, the intensity levels ofthe RGB colors in the image data (RGB model) provided by the thirdprocess are corrected at regular intervals in raster space, so that thepattern of the texture that is determined in accordance with the texturesetting reference sign can be represented on the output image.

This completes the explanation of the filtering processes.

The PDI module 9 g is a processing program for transmitting to a printerdriver, via the graphics interface of the OS, the output image dataobtained by the filtering module 9 f, and a drawing command for theoutput image data.

The reduction module 9 c, which when executed by the CPU 2 serves as arefuging device, is a processing program for reducing the size of theinput image data to obtain sample image data for 400×400 pixels, and forstoring the sample image data in the reduced image data storage area.When, for example, the input image data is 1600×1200 pixels, thereduction module 9 c performs a 1/16 input image data pixel reduction toobtain a pixel count of 400×300, and stores the obtained image data inthe reduced image data storage area 9 r.

The simulated parameter calculation module 9 b is a processing programfor calculating a parameter that is used for the filtering of thereduced image data, while referring to the filtering setting referencesign that is stored in the input value storage area 9 p, and fortransmitting the parameter to the simulated filtering module 9 d. Theparameter is so obtained by the simulated parameter calculation module 9b that visually the resultant data acquired through the filtering of theinput image data are substantially the same as the reduced data obtainedthrough the filtering of the image data.

The simulated filtering module 9 d, which when executed by the CPU 2serves as a simulation display device, is a processing program forperforming the first to the fourth processes for the filtering of thereduced image data based on the parameter received from the simulatedparameter calculation module 9 b. The code that is loaded into the CPU 2when the simulated filtering module 9 d performs the first to the fourthprocesses is substantially the same as the code that is loaded when thefiltering module 9 f performs the first to the fourth processes.

An explanation will now be given for the operation of the imageprocessing apparatus 1 when performing the process for the filtering ofthe input image data in accordance with the procedures in FIG. 3, andfor the output of the resultant image data to the printer 8.

Step 10

When the image processing application 9 is loaded into the RAM 3, theGUI module 9 a stores a default value in the input value storage area 9p, loads into the thumbnail storage area 9 u the thumbnail data forimage data that are stored in an auxiliary storage device, such as thehard disk 5, issues a drawing command to the graphics interface of theOS, transmits the thumbnail data to a video memory 41, and displays ascreen shown in FIG. 4 on the display device 10.

The thumbnail data that are loaded into the thumbnail storage area 9from the hard disk 5 are output to the screen in FIG. 4, and an imageconsisting of 20 frames is displayed. The number of pixels in one of theimages 104 displayed by using the thumbnail data is 160×120, inaccordance with, for example, JPEG (Joint Photographic Coding ExpertsGroup). On this screen, it is possible to select the filtering settingor the print setting that is to be performed. When an image 104 isselected by using a pointer that intermeshes with the movement of themouse, the filtering setting can be designated for image datacorresponding to the selected image 104. When an image 104 is selected,the GUI module 9 a stores, in the input value storage area 9 p, theaddress of the image data that corresponds to the selected image 104.

Step 20

When a filtering setting switch 101 is selected, the GUI module 9 aloads, into the input image data storage area 9 q, image data stored atan address in the input value storage area 9 p. The reduction module 9 cgenerates reduced image data by reducing the input image data, andstores the thus obtained image data in the reduced image data storagearea 9 r. The GUI module 9 a then issues a drawing command to thegraphics interface of the OS, and displays the screen shown in FIG. 5 onthe display device 10.

The screen in FIG. 5 is divided into a left display area, for a reducedimage 118, and a right display area, for switches 107 to 111 and 114 to117, to facilitate the selection of a process.

Before a selected process for filtering is performed, the same contentsare shown in the left display area of the screen by selecting either afilter tab 105 or an original tab 106. When either tab is selected, thereduced image 118 is displayed in a reduced image display area 119 of400×400 pixels. Thus, when the GUI module 9 a transmits the reducedimage data from the reduced image data storage area 9 r to the videomemory 41, the reduced image 118 is displayed.

In the right display area of the screen, the switches 107 to 111 and 114to 117 are displayed to enable the selection of one of the effectsprovided by the first to the fourth processes that is to be reflected bythe output image. When one of the switches is selected, the contents inthe right display area are changed as is shown in FIG. 6. Thus, when thebrightness switch 107, the contrast switch 108 or the color balanceswitch 109 is selected, a screen appears for the setting of a parameterrequired for the first process for performing filtering. When thesaturation switch 110 is selected, a screen appears for the setting of aparameter required for the second process performed for filtering. Whenthe sharpness switch 111 is selected, a screen appears for the settingof a parameter required for the third process performed for filtering.And when the texture switch 114 is selected, a screen appears for thesetting of a parameter required for the fourth process performed forfiltering. It should be noted that the left display area on the screenis not changed, regardless of which switch is selected.

Step 30

(1) Setting of the First Filtering Process

To designate the first process for the filtering of an input image, onthe screen displayed by selecting the brightness switch 107, thecontrast switch 108 or the color balance switch 109 in FIG. 5, theoperator employs the GUI module 9 a to change the tone curve settingreference sign stored on the input value storage area 9 p.

When the contrast switch 108 is selected, the screen in FIG. 6 appears.On this screen, the tone curve setting reference sign can be altered tochange the brightness level of the entire image. A slide switch 128 isused to change the tone curve setting reference sign that is referred toin the first filtering process, so that the tone is changed inaccordance with the brightness of the pixels, e.g., a bright pixelbecomes brighter or a dark pixel becomes darker. A slide switch 127 isused for changing the tone curve setting reference sign, which isreferred to during the first process, so that the brightness value limitfor a bright pixel is changed. A slide switch 126 is used to change thetone curve setting reference sign, which is referred to during the firstprocess, so that the darkness value limit for a dark pixel is changed.Preset switches 121, 122 and 123 are used to move the slide switches126, 127 and 128 to predetermined positions and to set the tone curvesetting reference signs that are determined in advance.

When the operator manipulates the preset switch 121, 122 or 123, or theslide switch 126, 127 or 128, one of the following simulated filteringprocess is performed for the reduced image data.

(i) In accordance with the manipulation performed by the operator, theGUI module 9 a changes a part of the tone curve setting signs stored inthe input value storage area 9 p. Further, before the operatormanipulates the preset switch 121, 122 or 123, or the slide switch 126,127 or 128, the GUI module 9 a moves the tone curve setting referencesign from the input value storage area 9 p to another area, so that thetone curve setting reference sign is returned to the previous state.

(ii) The simulated parameter calculation module 9 b refers to the tonecurve setting reference sign, the saturation setting reference sign, thesharpness setting reference sign and the texture setting reference signfor generating parameters used for the first to the fourth processes,and transmits the obtained parameters to the simulated filtering module9 d. By using these parameters, the simulated filtering module 9 dsequentially performs the first, the second, the third and the fourthprocesses for the filtering of the reduced image data to generate thepreview image data, and stores the previous image data in the previewimage data storage area 9 t.

The processing for the display of an image in the left display area ofthe screen will now be explained.

When the original tab 106 is selected, the GUI module 9 a issues adrawing command to the graphics interface of the OS, transmits thereduced image data to the video memory 41, and displays, in the reducedimage display area 119, the reduced image 118 that has not yet beensubjected to filtering.

When the filter tab 105 is selected, the GUI module 9 a issues a drawingcommand to the graphics interface of the OS, transmits the preview imagedata to the video memory 41, and displays, in the reduced image displayarea 119, the reduced image 118 that has been subjected to filtering.

When an OK switch 125 is selected, the GUI module 9 a changes the rightdisplay area of the screen of the display device 10 to the screen shownin FIG. 5.

When the cancel switch 124 is selected, the GUI module 9 a returns tothe input value storage area 9 p the filtering setting reference signthat has been stored in the GUI module 9 a, and displays the screen inFIG. 5 on the display device 10.

When the original tab 106 on the screen in FIG. 5 is selected, the GUImodule 9 a issues a drawing command to the graphics interface of the OS,transmits the reduced image data to the video memory 41, and displaysthe reduced image 118.

When the filter tab 105 is selected on the screen in FIG. 5, the GUImodule 9 a issues a drawing command to the graphics interface of the OS,transmits the preview image data to the video memory 41, and displaysthe reduced image 118.

(2) Setting the Second Process

To designate the second process for the filtering of an input image, ona screen in FIG. 7 that is displayed when the saturation switch 110 isselected on the screen in FIG. 5, the operator employs the GUI module 9a to change the saturation setting reference sign stored in the inputvalue storage area 9 p.

A slide switch 137 is used to change the saturation setting referencesign that is to be referred to in the second process, so that thesaturation levels of all the pixels are changed. Preset switches 131 to135 are used to move the slide switch 137 to a predetermined position toset the saturation setting reference sign that is determined in advance.

When the operator manipulates one of the preset switches 131 to 135 orthe slide switch 137, the following simulated process is performed tofilter the reduced image data.

(i) In accordance with a manipulation performed by an operator, the GUImodule 9 a changes a part of the saturation setting reference sign inthe input value storage area 9 p. Further, before the operatormanipulates one of the preset switches 131 to 135 or the slide switch137, the GUI module 9 a moves the saturation setting reference sign fromthe input value storage area 9 p to another area, so that the saturationsetting reference sign can be returned to its previous state.

(ii) The simulated parameter calculation module 9 b refers to the tonecurve setting reference sign, the saturation setting reference sign; thesharpness setting reference sign and the texture setting reference signto generate parameters used for the first to the fourth filteringprocesses, and transmits the obtained parameters to the simulatedfiltering module 9 d. By using these parameters, the simulated filteringmodule 9 d sequentially performs the first, the second, the third andthe fourth filtering processes for the reduced image data, and generatesthe preview image data and stores the previous image data in the previewimage data storage area 9 t.

The procedure for displaying an image in the left display area of thescreen is performed in the same manner as is the procedure for settingthe first process for performing filtering.

(3) Setting of the Third Process for Performing Filtering

To designate, on a screen in FIG. 8 that is displayed when the sharpnessswitch 111 is selected on the screen in FIG. 5, the third process forthe filtering of an input image, an operator employs the GUI module 9 ato change the sharpness setting reference sign stored in the input valuestorage area 9 p.

A slide switch 175 is used to change the sharpness setting referencesign that is to be referred to in the third process, so that thecontrast enhancement level is changed. A slide switch 177 is used tochange the sharpness setting reference sign that is to be referred to inthe third process, so that, when a target pixel for changing thecontrast with an adjacent pixel is extracted, the threshold value forthe contrast between the target pixel and its adjacent pixel is changed.Preset switches 171, 172 and 173 are used to move the slide switch 175to a predetermined position to set for the sharpness setting referencesign setting a level that has been determined in advance.

When an operator manipulates the preset switch 171, 172 or 173 or theslide switch 175, the following simulated process is performed to filterthe reduced image data.

(i) In accordance with the manipulation performed by the operator, theGUI module 9 a changes a part of the sharpness setting reference sign inthe input value storage area 9 p. Further, before the operatormanipulates one of the preset switches 171 to 173 or the slide switch175, the GUI module 9 a moves the sharpness setting reference sign fromthe input value storage area 9 p to another area, so that the sharpnesssetting reference sign can be returned to its previous state.

(ii) The simulated parameter calculation module 9 b refers to the tonecurve setting reference sign, the saturation setting reference sign, thesharpness setting reference sign and the texture setting reference signto generate parameters for use for the first to the fourth processes forperforming filtering, and transmits the obtained parameters to thesimulated filtering module 9 d. By using these parameters, the simulatedfiltering module 9 d sequentially performs the first, the second, thethird and the fourth processes to filter the reduced image data and togenerate the preview image data, and stores the previous image data inthe preview image data storage area 9 t.

The procedure performed for displaying an image in the left display areaof the screen is performed in the same manner as is the procedure forsetting the first process for performing filtering.

(4) Setting of the Fourth Process for Performing Filtering

To designate the fourth process for filtering an input image, on ascreen in FIG. 9 that is displayed when the texture switch 113 isselected on the screen in FIG. 5, an operator employs the GUI module 9 ato change the texture setting reference sign stored in the input valuestorage area 9 p.

Texture switches 141, 142 and 143 are used to change the texture settingreference sign and to determine the size of a regular pattern, for whichthe brightness levels are uneven, that is generated for an output image.When an operator manipulates the texture switch 141, 142 or 143, thefollowing simulated process is performed to filter reduced image data.

(i) In accordance with the manipulation performed by the operator, theGUI module 9 a changes a part of the texture setting reference sign inthe input value storage area 9 p. Further, before the operatormanipulates one of the preset switches 141 to 143, the GUI module 9 amoves the texture setting reference sign from the input value storagearea 9 p to another area, so that the texture setting reference sign canbe returned to its previous state.

(ii) To generate parameters to be used for the first to the fourthprocesses performed for filtering, the simulated parameter calculationmodule 9 b refers to the tone curve setting reference sign, thesaturation setting reference sign, the sharpness setting reference signand the texture setting reference sign, and thereafter transmits theobtained parameters to the simulated filtering module 9 d. By usingthese parameters, the simulated filtering module 9 d sequentiallyperforms the first, the second, the third and the fourth processes forfiltering the reduced image data and generating the preview image data,and stores the previous image data in the preview image data storagearea 9 t.

The procedure employed for displaying an image in the left display areaof the screen is performed in the same manner as is the procedure usedto set the first filtering process.

When the above processing is completed and the OK switch 112 on thescreen in FIG. 5 is selected, the GUI module 9 a issues a drawingcommand to the graphics interface of the OS, transits the thumbnail datato the video memory 41, and displays the screen shown in FIG. 4 on thedisplay device 10.

When the cancel switch 113 on the screen in FIG. 5 is selected, the GUImodule 9 a returns all the filtering setting reference signs in theinput value storage area 9 p to their default values. The GUI module 9 athen issues a drawing command to the graphics interface of the OS,transmits the thumbnail data to the video memory 41, and displays thescreen in FIG. 4 on the display device 10.

Step 40

When the print setting switch 102 on the screen in FIG. 4 is selected,the GUI module 9 a issues a drawing command to the graphics interface ofthe OS and displays a screen shown in FIG. 10 on the display device 10.

On this screen, the print paper size and the layout of an imagedesignated by an operator can be set.

When a postcard tab 161, a photocard tab 160 or an A4 tab 159 isselected, a paper size corresponding to the selected tab is set, andicons 151, 152, 153, 157 and 158 are displayed to represent theavailable layouts for the pertinent paper sizes, and a check mark 156 isdisplayed to indicate an icon that was selected by an operator. When inthis case the tab is selected, the GUI module 9 a changes the printsetting reference sign that corresponds to the parameter used todetermine the paper size; and when an icon is selected, the GUI module 9a changes the print setting reference sign that corresponds to theparameter used to determine the layout.

Step 50

When an OK switch 154 is selected on the screen in FIG. 10, the imageprocessing application 9 performs the filtering and the printing of theinput image data in the following procedures.

To generate parameters used for the first to the fourth filteringprocesses, the parameter calculation module 9 e refers to the tone curvesetting reference sign, the saturation setting reference sign, thesharpness setting reference sign and the texture setting reference sign,and thereafter transmits the obtained parameters to the filtering module9 f. Using these parameters, the filtering module 9 f sequentiallyperforms the first to the fourth processes for filtering the input imagedata and generating the output image data, and stores the output imagedata in the output image data storage area 9 s.

Step 60

The PDI module 9 g issues to a printer driver, via the graphicinterface, a drawing command for the output image data. At this time,the PDI module 9 g refers to the print setting reference sign to reflectto the drawing command the print paper size and the layout, and theprinter driver issues a print command to the printer 8, which in turninitiates the printing.

The operation of the image processing apparatus 1 has been explained forthe performance of the processing for filtering image data and foroutputting the image data to the printer 8 in consonance with theprocedures in FIG. 3.

According to the image processing apparatus of this embodiment, to setup the process for performing filtering, the results obtained by thesimulated process are displayed on the screen in real time in accordancewith the manipulations of the switches performed by an operator.Therefore, the operator can specify the performance of filtering whileconfirming the results of the simulated process.

Further, regardless of the order in which the operator sets thefiltering processes at STEPs 20 and 30, a variety of filtering processesare performed in a predetermined order by referring to the tone curvesetting reference sign, the saturation reference setting sign, thesharpness setting reference sign, the texture reference setting sign andthe print setting reference sign, all of which are stored in the inputvalue storage area 9 p. Thus, various kinds of filtering processes canbe performed in the order that can best improve the quality of outputimages. In other words, high quality images can consistently be output.

In addition, since the tone curve correction (first process forperforming filtering) for an RGB model, the saturation correction(second process) for an HSB model and the spacial filtering process(third process) are performed in the named order, the reduction of colorinformation and the spacial information can be minimized. Furthermore, aspecial process (a fourth process) that does not depend on the originalimage can be performed after the processes (the first to the thirdprocesses) that depend on the original image, while the operator canobtain a desired output image quality based on the image of a pickupobject that he or she observes.

Moreover, since the order for performing the filtering processes for theinput image data matches the order for performing the filteringprocesses for the reduced image data, the filtering effects appearing onan image in a display can approximate the filtering effects appearing onan image output to the printer 8.

Also, since the image data obtained by reducing the input data areemployed for the simulated process, and since the size of the reducedimage data is smaller than the size of the input image data, the resultsobtained by the simulated processing can be quickly displayed on thescreen for setting up the filtering.

In this embodiment, the image data are finally transmitted to theprinter 8. However, instead of transmitting the image data to theprinter 8, the image data may be stored on an auxiliary storage device,such as the hard disk 5. The storage locations of the data entered uponthe execution of each module, the data finally output and the dataoutput during the process are not limited to the RAM 3. A part of thesedata may be stored in the register of the CPU 2, instead of the RAM 3.Further, the preview image data storage area 9 t may not be acquired inthe RAM 3, and preview image data may be output directly to the videomemory 41.

A computer readable medium, such as a compact disk or a floppy disk, maybe employed to distribute the image processing application 9. Further,such a processing program may be recorded at a terminal computer when aserver machine transmits a carrier to a communication line by Internet.

1. An image processing apparatus, comprising: a storage device whichstores input image data in a first area; a refuging device which stores,in a second area of the storage device, sample image data produced fromthe input image data that has been stored in the first area; a pseudodisplay device which outputs, to a display, pseudo image data obtainedby performing a number of different processes for filtering the sampleimage data stored in the second area; a parameter registration devicewhich stores, in a third area of the storage device, parameters inputtedby a user that are to be referred to for each kind of process that isperformed for filtering the sample image data in the second area; and afiltering device which, while referring to the parameters in the thirdarea, performs, in a predetermined order, a number of differentprocesses for filtering the input image data in the first area to obtainimage data for output.
 2. An image processing apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the filtering device sequentially performs, inaccordance with an order established to minimize color information andspatial information reductions, a number of different processes forfiltering the input image data.
 3. An image processing apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the number of different processes forfiltering the sample image data stored in the second area comprises atleast two of a tone curve correction, a saturation correction, and aspacial filtering process.
 4. An image processing method, comprising:storing, in a second area of a storage device, sample image dataproduced from input image data that has been stored in a first area ofthe storage device; outputting, to a display, pseudo image dataprocesses for filtering the sample image data stored in the second area;storing, in a third area of the storage device, parameters inputted by auser that are to be referred to for each kind of process that isperformed for filtering the sample image data in the second area; andperforming, while referring to the parameters in the third area, in apredetermined order, a number of different processes for filtering theinput image data in the first area to obtain image data for output. 5.An image processing method according to claim 4, wherein the order inwhich the processes, for filtering the input image data in the firstarea, are sequentially performed to minimize the reduction in colorinformation and in spacial information, and thereby improves the qualityof the image that is output.
 6. A computer readable medium havingrecorded thereon a processing program for permitting performance of acomputer, the processing program comprising: a storage processingroutine for storing, in a second area of a storage device, sample imagedata produced from input image data that has been stored in a first areaof the storage device; a pseudo display processing routine foroutputting, to a display, pseudo image data a parameter registrationprocessing routine for storing, in a third area of the storage device,parameters inputted by a user that are to be referred to for each kindof process that is performed for filtering the sample image data in thesecond area; and a filtering processing routine for, while referring tothe parameters in the third area, performing, in a predetermined order,a number of different processes for filtering the input image data inthe first area to obtain image data for output.
 7. A computer readablemedium according to claim 6, wherein the order in which a variety ofprocesses, for filtering the input image data in the first area, aresequentially performed to minimize the reduction in color informationand in spacial information, and thereby improves the quality of theimage that is output.